Funeral arrangements made for local victim of Colorado shootings

The nation is still in pain trying to make sense out of the shooting at a movie theater outside of Denver.

The theater was packed, every seat in every row was filled. Then smoke filled the room and shots rang out, but many didn't know if it was part of the movie or real life until it was too late.

The suspect, 24-year-old James Holmes, is in custody. Investigators say he's not cooperating.

Families of the victims are hoping the public remember more than just his name.

This tragedy has been very painful for the families of both Matt McQuinn and Samantha Yowler.

The families have authorized Dayton attorney Rob Scott to speak on their behalf. FOX19 spoke with Scott by phone about Matt McQuinn who died trying to protect his girlfriend from gunfire. Scott says, "Matt and Samantha's brother, Nick, jumped up and to shield Samantha. Matt had gotten hit three times...once in the chest, once in the leg and once in the back."

Matt's step father David Jackson says Matt was a hero. "Matt did what a man's supposed to do. You protect the ones you love no matter what the cost."

Scott says its a tragedy that both Samantha and her brother are trying to come to terms with. "They were close. They were there with Samantha's older brother Nick. Nick is obviously devastated as is Samantha. Very tragic for both families and tragic for our nation."

Scott says Samantha Yowler, 27, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and is also trying to deal with the death of her boyfriend. "She got struck in the knee. She had to have surgery and she's currently recovering in the hospital."

Talia Kauffman-Dias says she has known Samantha from childhood, but says the ordeal is hard on her friend. "Sam's going to be alright physically. She will recover from it, but emotionally she's going to...this situation is going to change her life forever just what she went through."

Matt and Samantha had been dating for about three years and last year decided to move to Colorado last year where they both worked at a Target store. Scott says Samantha's family became close to Matt. "Something that the Yowler family said to me is that they viewed Matt as family."

Jackson says he was proud to call Matt his son. "He was one good guy. He was always there for family and friends if they needed it."

Scott says the families just want time to mourn. "They're in shock...they just thank everyone for their thoughts, their prayers and their love, but they just ask everyone for some time and some distance while they grieve for the loss of Matt."

Visitations for McQuinn will be held on Friday, July 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Maiden Lane Church of God. Service will be held on Saturday, July 28 at 10 a.m. at the Maiden Lane Church of God.